Alexander County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Griffin provided an update at the May 12 meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners.
During a recent budget work session, commissioners discussed Alexander County Schools’ request for an additional $348,321 for fiscal year 2026-2027, which would bring the total county allotment to $8.42 million.
Dr. Griffin began with a brief discussion of the school system’s rebranding efforts, with a new logo unveiled in summer 2025. Their mission is now, “Building a Legacy of Excellence,” with a vision of “The Educational Choice for Every Child.”
When he first began serving as superintendent during the 2024-2025 school year, Dr. Griffin said he immediately faced a financial shortfall, with a fund balance below $1 million.
“The Board of Education and administration worked hard to right the ship,” Dr. Griffin said. “Our goal was to use zero fund balance.”
Dr. Griffin showed two graphs illustrating how the school system has worked to align staff and teacher positions with student enrollment. He said student enrollment declined from 5,466 in 2012 to 4,201 in 2025. In 2012, the school system had 343 teachers, with only 275 in 2025.
He said the system is now “operating within our means,” with $3,525,000 in grants and savings secured in one year. A $1.8 million Golden LEAF grant is funding new programming at East Alexander Middle School. Ellendale Elementary School is transforming into the Ellendale School of Innovation, which has already seen a 21 percent increase in enrollment interest. The district is also an inaugural member of High Country STEM.
Addressing commissioners, Dr. Griffin said, “The general public doesn’t understand the weight on your shoulders. I’m grateful for your support and partnership.”
Chairman Larry Yoder said, “I’m extremely proud of the progress happening in Alexander County Schools. It’s been hard, but you’ve risen to the occasion.”
Commissioners will continue the 2026-2027 budget discussion at their May 18 meeting.
In other business:
• The Alexander County Soil & Water Conservation District has been awarded $516,000 from the Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP). Pamela Bowman, Soil & Water Director, presented details to the board. She said the county has received $853,806 in previous grants, with 15 sites completed. With the new grant, Bowman said the county should be able to rehab six to eight more sites, depending on bids. The reimbursement grant requires no local matching funds.
• Commissioners approved three budget amendments as presented by County Manager Justin Mundy.
The first amendment results in a net increase of $107,274 in general fund expenditures for three departments. The amendment increases the register of deeds budget to cover estimated expenses for payments required by the state and revised revenue projections, increases the JCPC budget for discretionary funding awarded to the Aspire JCPC program, and increases the detention center budget for estimated medical supplies and inmate medical bills.
The second amendment results in a net increase of $65,000 in general fund expenditures. The amendment increases the EMS budget to cover estimated expenses for medical billing services and increased retirement expenses, transfers funds from the governing body budget to the EMS budget for architect fees related to the EMS Station #2 project, and transfers funds from the public buildings & maintenance budget to the library budget for a paving project.
The third amendment results in a net increase of $20,000 in solid waste fund expenditures to increase the landfill budget to cover estimated tire recycling and disposal expenses.
• During the public comment period, Jerrell Miller expressed concerns about the Sterling Road project, which involves 820 linear feet of grading, paving, and erosion control. The county received two Community Development Block Grants to complete the project. Miller said his grandmother originally agreed to the plan, but has since decided she does not want a turnaround constructed in her front yard. He believes the disagreement can be resolved with a meeting to discuss the project.
Related to the Sterling Road project, the county is working with the Town of Taylorsville to initiate condemnation proceedings for right-of-way and associated public improvements.
• Commissioners approved the consent agenda. Items include tax abatements and adjustments totaling $4,969.76 and tax refunds totaling $3,014.12; minutes from the April 6 regular meeting and April 20 budget work session; reappointments to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council; line-item transfer report for April 2026; resolution opposing modifications to county property tax authority; resolution to commit fund balance for year ending June 30, 2026; ALS Awareness Month proclamation; renewal of agreement with Institutional Medical Services and IMS Correctional Healthcare for inmate medical care services; interlocal agreement with the Town of Taylorsville for Sterling Road condemnation costs; records retention and disposition schedule for register of deeds; JCPC revised funding plan for FY 2025-2026; request from Sheriff Chad Pennell to surplus numerous firearms; and personnel policy revisions.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education (room #103). Regular meetings are recorded and available on the county’s Government Channel (Spectrum channel 192) and the county’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/alexandercountync. Meeting agendas, minutes, videos, and more are available on the county’s website at https://alexandercountync.gov/commissioners.